Ministry of Communications
WB Licensed Service Area of Telecom Department, Kolkata Celebrates AKAM
Kolkata, October 18, 2021
The WB Licensed Service Area of Telecom Department , Kolkata celebrated the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav  week with due honour and recognition. The week started on October 11, 2021, when Dr Biswajit Paul, Sr. DDG & Head, WB LSA outlined various aspects of AKAM, a Government of India initiative to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and its glorious history, people, culture and achievements. He highlighted that AKAM is an embodiment of all that is progressive about India’s socio-cultural, political and economic identity. Dr Paul further informed that during the AKAM celebrations, a series of community events and patriotic activities have been planned with special attention to pay tribute to unsung heroes of our freedom struggle. He also highlighted the importance of Cyber Security, initiatives being taken by the Government towards bridging the Digital Divide and the criticality of Disaster Management during times of calamity. This was followed by the release of a booklet on CYBER/PHONE SAFETY AWARENESS and articles on BRIDGING RURAL DIGITAL DIVIDE and DISASTER MANAGEMENT.
A webinar on “Myths of Electromagnetic Radiations & Tarang Sanchar Awareness” followed next. While, Sri Pabitra Sarkar, DDG , WB LSA outlined the key issues related to radiation standards, Sri Mihir Kumbhakar, Director , WB LSA discussed the importance of mobile phones and gave an overview of various EMF related points. Dr T. K. Joshi, an eminent physician and an expert on Occupational Medicine, shared his perspective and cleared misconceptions associated with mobile tower radiations. The webinar was attended by over 60 participants and was appreciated by one and all.
On October 16, 2021, three webinars were conducted. On this occasion, Dr Biswajit Paul, Sr DDG & Head, WB LSA conveyed the salient features of the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan which was unveiled by Prime Minister on October 13, 2021 to lend more speed  and power  to projects by connecting all concerned departments on one platform with a multi-modal approach. Dr Paul delivered the keynote address of all three webinars, touching all salient points of the concerned topics.
First, the Sikkim unit organised a webinar on two topics namely, “Impact of USOF Project on Village Coverage in Sikkim” & “Bursting Myths on Electromagnetic Radiation”. Shri N. Murali Krishna, DDG Sikkim, DoT, detailed the necessity of USO projects in rural areas of Sikkim state. He highlighted all the USOF projects one-by-one, implementation status and expected date of completion. Dr T.K Joshi mentioned that scientific research is a testimonial to the fact that there are no health impacts of these radiations on human health. The webinar was attended by Government officials, Telecom Service Providers, Infrastructure Providers and common citizens of Sikkim.
Next, a lively presentation on “Chennai-Andaman & Nicobar Islands  Submarine Optical Fibre Cable Project” was given by DOT/BSNL/NEC teams of A&N. During the session, the various processes involved in the project implementation were explained and benefits availed by islanders subsequently were highlighted. The phenomenal growth of all Telecom services and the future plans of the TSPs were also outlined. Various Telecom Service Providers/Direct Selling Agents/Retailers/Customers/Faculty & Students from DBRAIT & JNRM attended.
The last session was an online awareness programme on “Cyber/Phone Safety Practices”, delivered by Sri Mukesh Kumar, Director , WB LSA. During the webinar, attendees were explained the common cyber and Smartphone frauds and their prevention tips & practices. The focus was on prevention rather than cure. Two informative video presentations on the subject were also exhibited. The webinar was attended by common citizens, senior officers from telecom fraternity and representatives of various Telecom Service Providers.